84

ELITE

GOLFERS

HONORING

AMERICAN HEROES

Event Info

Player Registration

Volunteer

In 2011 a one of a kind event was born – The Patriot All-America Invitational featuring the best of the best in collegiate golf from every NCAA division plus special invitees. Throughout the 54-hole championship, each participant honored a fallen or severely injured soldier by carrying a bag bearing the name of that individual. This video takes you on the journey of the first five years, the emotional impact of honoring a soldier and the pressures of championship golf.

University of Mississippi’s Braden Thornberry shot an even-par, final round 71 and 2-under (211) for the tournament to win The Patriot All-America Invitational on the Gold Course at The Wigwam in Litchfield Park, Ariz. Adam Wood from Duke University with a final round 73 (212) and David Kocher from the University of Maryland with a final round 69 (212) tied for second place.

“It was kind of a tough start and not a lot of putts went in for our whole group,” said Thornberry. “I made a couple mistakes and Adam made a couple birdies on the back nine. I think he was four up on me at one point. Then he started missing a couple putts and I hit a 30 footer off the green for eagle on 14 and that tied us right there and I just tried to keep the momentum coming in.”

“This was a life-changing event for me. I will never think of golf the same way again. I feel so grateful for our soldiers.”

Patrick Martinez

University of Michigan, 2014

A Patriot Story

It’s stories like this that make this championship so special to all of us that are involved with it! Amazing young men learning about other amazing young men!

Why Folds of Honor?

Folds of Honor was founded by F-16 pilot Major Dan Rooney to provide scholarships and assistance to the spouses and children of those killed or disabled in service to America. Each year, following the Championship, the PING bags are shipped to the player’s school where they are auctioned off. Proceeds from the auction are donated to the Folds of Honor. It seems a fitting tribute – students helping other students.